Winter storm warning issued for Maine, New Hampshire

News 8 meteorologist Mallory Brooke is tracking the winter storm that is expected to arrive early Thursday morning.

We’re awaiting our next winter storm of the season, and it’s not only the mountains that may see a foot or more of snow. In the last 24 hours, this storm has prompted blizzard warnings in the Midwest and tornado warnings in the southeast. Needless to say, this is a power storm headed our way.

Winter storm warnings have been issued for the interior of Maine and New Hampshire, however the National Weather Service in Gray has left the winter storm watch intact for the coastline. Mixing of snow, sleet and rain may hinder snowfall amounts along the coast. The amount of snow the NWS expects to fall will determine if they issue a winter weather advisory or a winter storm warning for the southern and midcoast. We’ll let you know as soon as the watch is upgraded.

A winter storm warning for interior Maine and New Hampshire begin at 10 p.m. Wednesday and will last through 4 a.m. on Friday for more than a foot of snow. Higher elevations and ski resorts may pick up more than a foot and a half of snow. Of course, travel is not advised during this storm. If you must go out, make sure you have an emergency kit with you in the car.

Snow at the coast line will likely be very heavy and wet, which could cause some power outages. In addition, winds are expected to gust upward of 35 mph during the height of the storm. Wind advisories may be issued, however if the right combination of wind, snow, and low visibilities are achieved, blizzard warnings would be issued in place of winter storm warnings and wind advisories.